Spiritual Life Writing In-Person Retreat May 29 - 31, 2026

“Stories have to be told, or they die. And when they die, we can’t remember who we are, or why we’re here.” -- Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees

Join us as we celebrate the power and beauty of storytelling to create community, to heal, and to help people’s stories come to light.

Slow down. Listen. Discover. Use your voice to release and heal.

Join us for a joyful weekend on Samish Island, an oasis of calm off the coast of Washington State, as we explore the call to work with stories. Storytelling is core to being human. The call to storytelling is an invitation to open up and let go of judgment—of ourselves and others. You will learn to discover, listen, and to share stories in ways that empower and heal. And you will learn how to use the companion art of spiritual life writing as a grounding practice to guide you in deepening this important calling.

$275 Canadian per person includes the Spiritual Life Writing Workbook, accommodations, meals, snacks and session supplies.

Friday May 29th to Sunday May 31st

Meet the authors!

Susan Scott

Susan Scott (susanlscott.ca) is a Great Lakes writer working at the crossroads of story, spirit, self, and culture. She has midwifed dozens of books, including scholarship and memoirs, and has been editing with The New Quarterly (TNQ) literary magazine since 2009. Susan has led award-winning initiatives in the environmental humanities and in arts-and-culture work with First Nations, immigrants, and settlers. Edited collections include Body & Soul: Stories for Skeptics and Seekers; Stories in my Neighbour’s Faith; and more. Reach out to Susan for news about groundbreaking work with artists, activists, and adventuresome scholars around the globe.

Lana Cullis

Lana Cullis (lanacullis.com) is committed to encouraging kinship among writers. Lana values spiritual life writing as a creative way to access hidden desires, promote healing, and encourage self-determination. She is an ordained lay minister who respects lessons from traditional elders, nature, and family lineage. Lana strives to be a bridge between people of differing faiths. Her writing draws on waking dreams, voices, and visions that reveal the tender places where human truth, individuality, and courage intersect. Lana lives, writes, and plays in qathet, on the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada.

Sharon S. Hines

Sharon S. Hines (sharonhines.com) is on a mission to become a better storyteller — and to help others do the same. She writes and teaches with the goal of encouraging spiritual seekers of all stripes to develop a personal relationship with God. She invites writers and readers on a journey to discover the joys, challenges, and hidden benefits of writing down and pondering the stories of their normal, everyday spiritual experiences. She begins from the premise that those who share their spiritual experiences should be acknowledged as truth-tellers. Her particular passion is helping rank beginners get their first story written.

Debra Donohue - Creating Connection Director Canada

Debra Donohue

Debra Donohue, (www.Creatingconnection.ca) Creating Connection Director Canada, is a passionate advocate for bringing people together on their spiritual journey, no matter where they may be. With a focus on creating meaningful connections and experiences, Debra has successfully led numerous retreats, conferences, and events over the course of her 15-year career in this role. Her dedication to fostering a sense of community and personal growth shines through in all she does, making her a valuable asset to those seeking to deepen their spiritual connections. Connect with Debra via email Debra@CreatingConnection.ca

Register today Spiritual Life Writing Online Retreat — Nurturing Spirit (CDN)

"Experience a taste of what’s to come—this online Spiritual Life Writing Retreat is a preview of our in-person retreat at Samish Island Retreat Centre, May 29–31, 2026." https://www.campsamish.org/

Spiritual Life Writing Retreat - Samish Island Retreat Centre